HPN President announces gift to UCLA to advance research for Neural Regeneration

Dr. Richard Merkin, President and CEO of Heritage Provider Network, and the Merkin Family Foundation announce the generous gift to the UCLA Department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA to advance research for Neural Regeneration.

The Richard Merkin Foundation for Neural Regeneration will support research in neural repair and recovery being conducted by Dr. Bruce Dobkin, Professor of Clinical Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

"It gives me great satisfaction to know that The Merkin Family Foundation is playing a vital role in advancing UCLA's mission of research, education and public service," said Dr. Merkin. "This research can hopefully play an integral part in the progress of such tragic injuries like those suffered most recently by Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords regarding nerve response and recovery. We may even be able to unlock some of the mysteries surrounding Alzheimer's disease as well," continued Dr. Merkin.

"Dr. Richard Merkin's generous gift enables a collaboration of UCLA scientists to test novel strategies that aim to help people with brain or nerve damage from stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, neuropathies and other neurological diseases. He has given us the opportunity to push biological research forward to regenerate nerves and increase the strength of their connections. Added to rehabilitation training, we hope that this enhanced nervous system can restore the thoughts and movements of highly disabled people," said Dr. Dobkin.

SOURCE Heritage Provider Network (HPN)